Abstract. The analytical figures of merit of isotope selective diode laser atomic absorption spectrometry (DLAAS) in low-pressure graphite furnaces are given for lithium and rubidium. While 6Li and 7Li were measured by Doppler-limited as well as by Dopplerfree absorption spectroscopy of the 670.79nm resonance line, Doppler-free saturation spectroscopy was applied for analysis of the 85Rb and SVRb D2 resonance line at 780.03 nm. Three different modulation techniques were applied and compared: (i) intensity modulation, (ii) wavelength modulation, and (iii) a combination of intensity and wavelength modulation.